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Embarking on a walking pilgrimage in Spain means spending time on the Camino Santiago, one of the world’s most famous pilgrimages. Pilgrims have journeyed on foot toward the city of Santiago, in the province of Galicia, for over 1,000 years to worship at the burial tomb of Saint James the Apostle. Several routes run through the countryside and major cities of Spain, all of which offer an opportunity to take part in a historic journey and perhaps contemplate the purpose behind your personal sojourn.

Camino Frances

Easily the most popular and heavily traveled of the Camino Routes, the Camino Frances begins in the southern French city of St. Jean Pied-de-Port, and with the first day’s walk, crosses the Pyrenees Mountains and the border into Spain. According to the Archdiocese of Santiago de Compostela, over 91,000 pilgrims registered completion of the Camino Frances in 2007. The majority of these pilgrims traveled during the months of June through September, so if you are looking for a less burdened road, you should consider embarking outside of these months. In entirety, the Camino Frances is approximately 800 kilometers and leads pilgrims on a nearly straight route across northern Spain into Santiago. Most pilgrims complete the route in four to five weeks, although many pilgrims break this up into annual events, completing particular stretches during a vacation period. Major cities along this path include Pamplona, Leon, Burgos and Ponferrada, with the majority of the road winding through open countryside, vineyards, small villages and farmland. This route is well situated for pilgrims, with a variety of accommodations along the way. Most plentiful are the "alburgues," dorm-like facilities specifically designed for pilgrims, with washing machines and shared kitchens and showers. Private "hostales," "pensiones" and "casa rurales" are also common along the route. Despite the crowds, the Camino Frances is worth walking for its historical significance and for the many fine cathedrals, abbeys and way stations that have greeted pilgrims for a millennium.

Camino del Norte

The Camino del Norte, also known as the Northern or Coastal route, traverses the coastline of northern Spain. This route runs about 825 kilometers from its starting point in Irun on the French border, and makes its way through major cities like San Sebastian, Bilbao and Santander before joining the Camino Frances in Arzua. The Camino del Norte offers pilgrims a more solitary experience and is not as well equipped as the Camino Frances in terms of accommodations. Hikers may be expected to walk further in between "alburgues," although the growing popularity of this route is beginning to change that. If choosing this route, purchase the most up-to-date guide you can for plotting stay places. The Northern route offers plenty of excellent scenery, with views of the Bay of Biscay, historic churches, ancient monuments and the opportunity to spend a good deal of time in the Basque region with a distinct and vibrant culture of its own. The terrain is rugged, with plenty of ascents and descents along the paths, but these challenges will make an excellent meditation in perseverance over the four to five weeks it will take to travel.

The Road to Finisterre

For those wanting a taste of the Camino, but who don’t have much time, this three- to four-day pilgrimage offers a pleasant alternative to the main route. This route can be traveled either toward Santiago to experience the grand entrance to the city, or by leaving the bustling city behind and enjoying a tranquil walk to the coast. The path to Finisterre, literally translated as "the end of the earth," covers 89 kilometers of sloping terrain through small villages, along rushing rivers and through forests and grasslands. Pilgrim hospitality is still in place, with good accommodations, village churches and a more relaxed camaraderie with fellow pilgrims since the numbers on this trail lessen considerably from the Camino Frances. The city of Finisterre offers an excellent place to rest and take in the culture of this seaside town, with a range of accommodations, dining establishments and cafes, but without the feeling of a bursting tourist town.

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About the Author

Nikki Jardin began freelance writing in 2009 and focuses on food and travel articles. She has been a professional cook and caterer for more than 20 years. She holds a degree in environmental science from Humboldt State University.